Cakes are a time-honored, traditional part of celebrations. A birthday, anniversary, wedding, shower, or commemoration of any milestone would not be complete without the cake.
Best Birthday Cake
Rich layers of chocolate cake, creamy chocolate mousse cake and genuine New York cheesecake
Cheesecake Birthday Cake
A traditional New York-style cheesecake, baked fresh in the greatest city in the world
Carrot Cake Birthday Cake
Fresh ground carrots are the main ingredients of this luxurious traditional cake, surrounded by cream cheese icing.
Chocolate Layer Birthday Cake
Creamy rich chocolate icing blankets this delicious birthday cake.
Lemon Layer Birthday Cake
Anyone with a craving for lemon will appreciate this tasty birthday cake.
Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake
Fresh strawberries and light fluffy shortcake for lovers of the classic dessert.
We offer traditional chocolate or golden yellow cakes with chocolate or white buttercream icing to serve any occasion, all custom decorated and personalized with your wishes. Add an extra special touch to traditional favorites with a creamy custard or fancy fruit filling.
For the cake connoisseur, we offer the freshest and finest specialty cakes available. Delicious black forest, German chocolate, or strawberry shortcake style cakes are a great way to say thank you. Make someone smile and say cheesecake or share an old-fashioned carrot cake with a dear friend.
BIRTHDAY CAKE TIPS
Surprises BIRTHDAY CAKE
Surprises are fun, but it's nice when someone near and dear to the recipient knows a cake is on the way. You want to make sure they save room for dessert.
The Name is the Game BIRTHDAY CAKE
Since the gift cake is custom decorated for your special person, always remember to include the recipient’s name within the message on the cake.
Personalize with a Theme BIRTHDAY CAKE
Personalize your gift cake by requesting decorations or a theme dedicated to the recipient's interest or hobby. Good examples of theme images include sports and other collectibles. This is a fun and inexpensive way to recognize the receiver and further personalize your gift.
Add Something Special BIRTHDAY CAKE
Add a special word, name or saying that is unique to your relationship with the receiver, such as XOXOXOXO (hugs and kisses), Snooky Bear, My Favorite Sister, Grandma's Little Dumpling, Honey Pie, Sweetie Face, etc.
Picture This BIRTHDAY CAKE
For a small additional fee, have a scanned photograph, picture, award or special letter added to the cake to make your thoughtful gesture even more unique and memorable.
Pleasing a Crowd? BIRTHDAY CAKE
Our most requested cake is a delicate yellow cake with raspberry filling, smothered with white buttercream frosting. Always a crowd pleaser!
FrostingArt on a Buttercream Canvas BIRTHDAY CAKE
If you plan to add a FrostingArt image to your cake, we recommend white butter-cream frosting because the frosting paper is white and slightly opaque. This also allows your colors to show more truly.
Any Way You Slice It... BIRTHDAY CAKE
Cake cutting with an audience can be a bit unnerving. Here's a hint: before you start cutting, use a thin string to make a small indentation or impression in the top of the frosting creating a scored guideline to use when cutting. This way, serving even and well-shaped slices is sure to be a piece of cake.
Customizing Your Message BIRTHDAY CAKE
Cakes are a great way to send a custom message. Usually, you can fit about five words on a two-layer round cake, and up to 15 words on a full sheet cake. You may also consider our FrostingArt option which is a computer image or graphic design message on top of your cake. Example: add a photo of yourself with the message, "Wish You Were Here".
CREATIVE MESSAGE FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE
Birthdays
Happy Birthday, Julie!
Just for You, John! On Your Special Day
Turning 30 Is A Piece of Cake
Birthday Wishes For You
Have a Beautiful Birthday!
Happy B-Day!
You Grow More Beautiful With Every Candle
The More Candles The Better
No Matter How You Slice It, You are the Greatest!
An Ageless Tradition, For An Ageless Friend
Celebrate!
Calorie Free for a Day!
Have An Awesome Day!
Birthday Slammers
Happy Times 29 Janna
Happy 29th Birthday… Again
Lordy Lordy, Look Who's 40
40 is Not Old (If You're A Tree)
Oh How Nifty, Joe is 50
Thrilling Thirty
For My thirtysomething Friend
If you are "Done" with Birthdays Stick a fork here:
Don't Birthdays Just Frost You?
Kids Birthday CAKE
Amy’s Sweet 16
Have a Fun 14th Birthday
Funky 15
Thrilled That You're 13
Ding Dong Bells, Carrie’s 12
Easy 11
Big 10
Oh how fine, Jenny’s 9
It’s Great Being 8 !
Oh thank heaven! Justin is 7
Michael is Super 6
Gimme 5 and all that jive!
Turning 4 and ready for more!
Wowee! Courtney’s 3
Sweet You at Birthday 2
You’re #1
Anniversary CAKE
Happy Golden Anniversary 50
Happy Silver Anniversary 25
Happy 10th Anniversary Dan and Heather
Love Is Gentle, Love is Kind, Love is Sweet
Here's To 25 More!
To The Happy Couple
Engagement CAKE
Two To Become One
2 2 B 1
For Two Special People
Will You Marry Me My Sweet?
With This Ring I Thee Wed
Will You Share My Wedding Cake?
Bridal Showers CAKE
A Shower of Good Wishes
To A Sweet Life Together
Blessed With Love From Heaven Above
May Your Lives Be Filled With The Sweetest Love
May All Your Dreams Come True
Sweethearts Forever
From Miss to Mrs. With Our Best Wishes
Happily Ever After
Congratulations To The Future Mrs. ___
To The Bride and Groom
Happiness Today and Always
A Sweet Start To Your Life Together
The Sweetest Days Are Yet To Come
Best Wishes For A Lifetime Of Happiness
God Bless Your Marriage
Bachelor Party Cake
Here’s to You
And Your Bride To Be
To Life, To Love, To Eternity
Get Me To The Church On Time
Nancy and Fred Are Off To Wed
Baby Shower CAKE
May God Bless You and Your New Family
God’s Blessings to You And Your New Baby
Special Delivery for …(Stork Design)
Now Arriving…(Baby’s Name)
Announcing the Arrival of (Baby’s Name)
Announcement Cake – Name, Weight, Date and Time of Birth
A Bundle Of Joy, (Baby’s Name)
Here's To Sweet Expectations
A Star Is Born
Diapers & Pins, A New Life Begins
Pink or Blue, We Welcome You
Pink Or Blue, May Your Wish Come True
Girl or Boy, You'll Bring Much Joy
Girl or Boy, A Bundle Of Joy
A Baby Is God's Greatest Gift
Good-bye Tummy…Hello Mummy!
Here’s To A Delivery That’s A Piece Of Cake!
Baby Christening/Communion CAKE
God Bless (Baby’s Name) On This Happy Christening Day
Christened On This Day - (Date) - (Name)
Love To Baby (Name) On His/Her Christening Day
God Bless (Name)
God's Blessing's On (Name)
May God Bless You A Lot!
Graduation CAKE
Class of 2007, Congratulations
Hats Off To The Grad
TGIG: Thank God I Graduated
Congratulations Jason!
Congratulations to One Smart Cookie
Fresh Baked Puns CAKE
Any Way You Slice It, You are the Greatest
You're the Icing on the Cake!
Here's A Gift You Can Sink Your Teeth Into
Let Them Eat Cake!
Sweets for the Sweet
You've Been So "Sweet"
You Take the Cake!
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too!
Thanks for the Sweet Thoughts!
To Sweeten Your Day!
If All Else Fails, Try Chocolate
It's a Piece of Cake!!
Doesn't it Just Frost You?
Let's Sweeten The Deal!
What a Sweet Deal!
Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
Glad We Could Cut a Sweet Deal!!
You're the Icing on the Cake!
How Sweet It Is
With Our Sweetest Thanks!!
Success Is The Sweetest Reward!
Thanks for Making This A Piece of Cake !
Wishing You Sweet Success!
Business Messages CAKE
Our Thanks You’ve Won
For A Job Well Done
Thanks To A Great Team!
Congratulations on Your Outstanding Performance
Our People Make The Difference
We Salute You!
Congratulations on Your Merger!
Welcome To Your New Office!
Here’s To New Partnerships, Company ABC and Company XYZ
What A Team, Company ABC and Company XYZ
We Mean Business
We Look Forward to Working With You
Our #1 Goal Is To Serve You
Other Messages CAKE
It's a Piece of Cake!
Doesn't it Just Frost You?
Let's Sweeten The Deal!
What a Sweet Deal!
Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
Glad We Could Cut a Sweet Deal!
You're the Icing on the Cake!
How Sweet It Is!
With Our Sweetest Thanks!
Success Is The Sweetest Reward!
Thanks for Making This A Piece of Cake!
Wishing You Sweet Success!
Here are some fun ways to use cakes in the corporate world. Get someone’s attention, improve morale, enhance the corporate climate, send a sweet reminder, celebrate success, etc. THINK CAKE! Many cakes can be decorated to look like the follow business documents, and nearly anything is possible with FrostingArt, digital artwork printed on a cake. Call us for more information.
Cakes Mean Business
Billboard
Memo Pad
Sticky Note
Award Certificate
Check
Resume
Web Site
Product Picture
Facility
Group picture
Pie charts
TIPS FOR ALL OCCASIONS CAKE
KIDS BIRTHDAYS
For kids, be sure to mention their age on the cake (for example: Happy Sweet 16th Birthday, Jessica). Kids like theme cakes, too. So be sure to add a thematic touch like baseball, soccer, music, teddy bears, or animals for the perfect birthday cake. Does your child have a favorite T.V. friend? Licensed character cakes are available in most areas.
BIRTHDAY CAKES
We recommend festive colors for any birthday – even “Over the Hill” celebrations. Black icing is never recommended as it is simply not appetizing. You want your receiver to enjoy the gift. If you want your birthday message to be a fun dig at the person’s age add one of our birthday slammers.
HOSTESS GIFT CAKE
If you intend your cake to be a gift to be shared at the party, it should arrive beforehand, allowing the hostess ample time to set out the cake cutter and other accessories. You may also wish to send the cake a few days after the party as a great thank you gift.
GET WELL CAKE
A cake is an appropriate and thoughtful gift idea that the receiver can share with visitors and well wishers and can even be delivered to the hospital. This is a great treat for the patient and gives him or her something to share with family, visitors and the medical staff. Just make sure a cake would be within the appropriate dietary requirements of the patient.
WITH SYMPATHY CAKE
Food gifts for the family are always appreciated and may be delivered to the home or funeral home reception area. Simple cookies or pastries may also be appropriate. Tasteful, conservative decorations such as flowers, doves or angels make this a beautiful and thoughtful gesture.
THINKING OF YOU CAKE
A cake is a personal way to let someone know you care by remembering their special event, thinking of them during a stressful time, or just celebrating your friendship. Go for a message that makes the receiver feel special.
Birthday History AND TRADITIONS
BIRTHDAY CAKE
Celebrating birthdays is a very old custom. Ancient people did not know the exact day of their birth, yet measured time by using the moon and the seasons. As humans began to learn more about the earth's natural time gage, calendars were developed. Calendars made it easy for people to keep track of and celebrate important events each year. Birthdays were some of the special events that people noted on their calendars. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Many of the symbols that we associate with birthdays had their roots hundreds of years ago. There are a few explanations as to why we have birthday cakes. Some say it is because the Greeks used to take cakes to the temple of the goddess of the moon, Artemis. They took her round cakes to represent the full moon. Another view is that the tradition of the birthday cake started in Germany. A bread was made in the shape of the baby Jesus's swaddling clothes. Geburtstagorten is another type of German cake that was said to have been used for birthdays. It was a layered cake that was much sweeter than the bread type cake. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Another symbol that is closely tied to the birthday cake is the custom of putting candles on the cake. The Greek people who took their cakes to Artemis placed candles on the cake because it made the cake look as if it was glowing like the moon (Gibbons, 1986). The Germans were known as good candle makers and started to make small candles for their cakes. Some people say that the candles were put on for religious reasons. Some Germans place a big candle in the center of the cake to symbolize the "light of life" (Corwin, 1986). Others believed that the smoke from fires would take their wishes up to heaven. Today many people make silent wishes as they blow out their candles. They believe that blowing out all the candles in one breath will bring good luck. BIRTHDAY CAKE
A gathering or party is usually held so that the birthday person can have their cake and blow out the candles. The very earliest parties were held because people thought that evil spirits would visit them on their birthdays. They stuck close to their friends and family so that the evil spirits would not bother them. Later on parties were gatherings where friends and family members would give gifts or flowers to the person having the birthday. Today lots of birthday parties are for fun. If people cannot visit someone on their birthday they often send them a birthday card. The tradition of sending birthday cards was started in England about 100 years ago (Motomora, 1989). BIRTHDAY CAKE
Many birthday traditions deal with luck. A good luck birthstone, good luck flower, and a good luck color have been assigned to each month of the year. Birthday presents dealing with these good luck symbols are often given as gifts (see Appendix). BIRTHDAY CAKE
The common birthday symbols have been taken from numerous countries. Yet, each country still has custom and traditions unique to themselves. Some countries have uncommon customs that are very different from the current American view of birthdays. Many birthday celebrations are centered around religious ceremonies or themes. Each country, people, and region have their own set of customs. The following are examples of only a few types of celebrations. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Japanese children use to all celebrate their birthdays on January first. An individual would celebrate their birthday on January first if there birthday was February 19th, October 31st, or any other day of the year. Today most Japanese children celebrate their birthdays on their true birthdays. BIRTHDAY CAKE
In Korea one of the most important birthdays is a child's first birthday. The children are dressed in special clothes and are taken in front of a large gathering of friends and family members. There is a big feast and the guests leave money for the new one-year old child. The child's future is told by the items the birthday child picks up. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Hindu children only celebrate their birthdays until they are 16 years old. Their birthday is very religious. They take flowers to the temple and the child receives a blessing from a priest. The birthday child does not even have to go to school on their birthday. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Many of the common birthday symbols come from Germany. The children in Germany have birthday cakes, parties, and blow out candles. However children may celebrate their birthdays differently depending upon which part of Germany they live in. The parties in south Germany are usually quiet celebrations where the child is the center of attention for the day. BIRTHDAY CAKE
In many countries children are named after saints. In these countries the birthday celebration usually comes on the name day, the feast of the child's patron saint (Price,1969). On this special day the focus should first be on the saint and then on the child. Some children get to celebrate on name day and on their own birthday. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Children in Mexico have birthday customs that have been around for centuries. Most birthday parties in Mexico include a pinata. A pinata is a large paper-mache object that is shaped like something appealing and covered with colorful paper. The pinata is filled with candy and treats. Pinatas are often shaped like animals or stars. The pinata is hung by a rope and blindfolded children take turns hitting the pinata with a stick. When they break the pinata all the goodies come out. This tradition is over 300 years old. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Many more birthday traditions can be found all over the world. The way people celebrate their birthday is often a combination of old and new traditions. Everyone has a birthday and it is a special day for them. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Birthday History
A birthday is the date on which a person was born. It is customary in many cultures to celebrate the anniversary of one's birthday in some way, for example by having a birthday party with friends in which gifts are exchanged. It is also customary to treat someone especially nice and generally accede to their wishes on their birthday. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Western birthday traditions
In most English-speaking countries it is traditional to sing the song "Happy Birthday" to the honored person celebrating their birthday. This happens traditionally at a birthday party while someone brings a birthday cake into the room, which is often darkened. The birthday cake is traditionally a highly decorated cake, and is typically covered with lit candles when presented; the number of candles equals the age of the person. The person whose birthday it is will make a silent wish and then blow out the candles. If done in one breath, the wish is supposed to come true. Another superstition associated with birthday wishes is that if you reveal your wish, it won't come true. It is also very common for the "birthday boy" or "birthday girl" to cut the initial piece of the cake, except for young children. BIRTHDAY CAKE
The singing of the song also often happens at a restaurant when one gets taken out for their birthday. The server or servers in the restaurant may lead the singing of the song while dessert is delivered to the table (which may or may not be a piece of cake, and may or may not be complimentary). The dessert may feature a sparkler instead of a candle. Other customers at the restaurant usually join in for the singing of the song. At some restaurants the servers may perform special, untraditional birthday songs and dances. BIRTHDAY CAKE
For special birthdays and for when the number of candles might be considered a fire hazard, special candles might be substituted for the many individual candles. These candles are in the shape of a numeral; for example on one's 5th birthday there may be only one candle on the cake in the shape of the numeral 5, and on one's 50th birthday there may be only one candle on the cake in the shape of the numeral 50. BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday is considered a special day for the person, and so the person will often get special treatment from friends and family. This is specially true for children who cannot wait for their own special day. In contrast, many adults loathe the reminder that they are continually getting older. In addition to parties, people often get (and give!) gifts on their birthday. Often, the honored person gets a "birthday hug" from friends and family. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Birthday parties for children often include fun games, like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Musical Chairs and hitting piñatas. For adults, the parties tend to be more formal, such as a nice dinner at a restaurant. Despite the age, these parties have the intent of making the honored person very happy. In jest, the birthday is sometimes referred to as the "Best day of the year" and the day after the birthday is the "worst day of the year" since one must wait a whole year for their next birthday! BIRTHDAY CAKE
There are also traditions of surprise parties. This sometimes causes people to feel ignored because it appears their birthday has been forgotten, when actually it has not been mentioned because a surprise party has been planned. Conversely, some people do not mention that nothing is planned for their birthday, because they expect a surprise party. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Astrology
The modern Astrological sign that one is born under depends on one's birthday, and the specific time of birth is used to calculate the person's natal chart. However, astrology is not limited to Western astrology alone, though Western astrology by itself has dozens of branches and various offshoots. In modern India Vedic astrology (or Jyotish) is commonly used to this very day, and in China Chinese astrology has been around for thousands of years and continues to flourish. The ancient Greeks formed Hellenistic astrology while the Mayans of South America also formed their own brand of astrology with the help of their super-precise, world-famous observatories. The ancient Egyptians also had their own system of astrology while a unique system of astrology eventually emerged in Tibet as well. Other cultures and civilizations around the World also developed their own astrological systems, though they are far too numerous to list here. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Notable birthdays
Notable birthdays can include:
* When the most significant digit changes, for example one's 1st, 10th, 20th, 50th, or 100th birthdays.
* In most legal systems, one becomes a legal adult on a particular birthday, and at different ages gain different rights and responsibilities -- voting, certain drug use (e.g. alcohol, tobacco), eligibility for military draft, etc.
* Most cultures have one or more coming of age birthdays:
o Jewish boys have a bar mitzvah on their 13th birthday. In Reform and Conservative Judaism, Jewish girls observe a bat mitzvah on their 12th or 13th birthday.
o In Latin America the quinceañera celebration traditionally marks a girl's 15th birthday.
o Many girls in the USA have "sweet sixteen" birthday parties.
o In countries with significant drinking ages, it is often typical to become intoxicated with one's friends as soon as legal; some bars facilitate this through drink specials or the like. In countries where age restrictions on alcohol are loosely enforced, this phenomenon may be less common. BIRTHDAY CAKE
The birthdays of historically significant people, like Jesus, Muhammad, or Martin Luther King, Jr., are often turned into holidays.
Official/Alternative birthdays
Some notables, particularly monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth of England have "official birthdays" which do not match their actual birthday, but on which celebrations are held. In cases where an historical figure's actual birthday is unknown, e.g. Jesus, it is common for a particular date to be substituted. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Children who are born on the 29th of February, which only falls on Leap years, often celebrate their birthday annually on the 28th, or the 1st of March. BIRTHDAY CAKE
In Roman Catholic countries such as France, it is common also to have a 'name day'/'Saint's day'. This is celebrated in much the same way as a birthday, but is held on the official day of the saint that the person is named after. BIRTHDAY CAKE
History of celebration of birthdays in the West
It is thought that the large scale celebration of birthdays in Europe was due to Mithraism in the Roman Empire, and that prior to this it was not so common. Mithraism had a large influence throughout the empire, due to being taken up by many Roman soldiers, until it was supplanted by Christianity. Even today, the celebration of birthdays is not universal in the West, for example, the Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays, considering them to be a pagan festival, along with Christmas and Easter. BIRTHDAY CAKE
History of Birthdays
Before humans had a way of keeping time, no one paid much attention to the anniversary of important events, such as birthdays. Only when ancient peoples began taking notice of the moon's cycles, did they pay attention to the changing seasons and the pattern that repeated itself over and over. Eventually, the first calendars were formulated in order to mark time changes and other special days. From this tracking system came the ability to celebrate birthdays and other significant anniversaries the same day each year. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Evidence of birthday observances dates back before the rise of Christianity. In pagan cultures, people feared evil spirits - especially on their birthdays. It was a common belief that evil spirits were more dangerous to a person when he or she experienced a change in their daily life, such as turning a year older. As a result, birthdays were merry occasions celebrated with family and friends, who surrounded the person of honor with laughter and joy in order to protect them from evil. Instead of gifts, most guests brought positive thoughts and happy wishes for the upcoming year. However, if well-wishers did bring gifts, it was considered an especially good influence for the birthday person. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Although historians are certain that people have observed their birthdays for quite some time, there are few records of such celebrations that still exist. Of these few descriptions, only those birthdays of kings, high-ranking nobility, and other important figures have been documented. Common people and especially children never celebrated their birth when the idea came about. This trend has been explained by a theory that nobility were the only people wealthy enough to throw such celebrations, and quite possibly were the only ones deemed important enough to have been written about or remembered. Some historians believe these early birthday bashes resulted in the custom of wearing birthday "crowns" as time went on. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Eventually, birthday celebrations became a tradition around the world with young and old, rich or poor. Although birthday customs are quite similar in some countries today, not everyone celebrates in the same way. Different people have incorporated their own rituals into the birthday celebration, based on spiritual beliefs and ancient cultural traditions. While you may find some of them odd, or even humorous, each one is unique. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Birthday Traditions Around the World
There are numerous traditions surrounding birthdays, some of which are described below. You may recognize some of the customs, while others will be very unfamiliar. There may also be special traditions in your family or a friend's family that do not appear below. Family history, culture, language and economic status are all details that affect the way a person observes the anniversary of their birth. Two of the most significant factors throughout history, however, have been geographic location and spiritual beliefs. The following customs have been divided according to these two categories. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Africa
In many African cultures, the day a child is born is not observed as a special day. Instead, when African children reach a certain age, they are initiated into the community. This allows them to learn about the laws of their culture and participate in ancient rituals. Coming-of-age initiations are commonly done in groups rather than with individual children.
Each year, Asante people in Ghana celebrate "krada" (meaning "Soul Day") on the day of the week that they were born. This observance involves a cleansing ritual intended to purify the inner soul. On a person's krada, he or she wakes up early and washes using a special leaf soaked overnight in water. An afternoon feast with family and friends is held in the person?s honor, and the celebrant usually dresses in clothing with a white background. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Latin America
In several Latino cultures, a girl's 15th birthday, called a "Quinceanera", marks her passage into adulthood. This celebration often includes a religious ceremony at church, in which the young lady recognizes her heritage and her spiritual journey. Many Quinceaneras include a candle-lighting ceremony, where a young woman illuminates her parents' candles using the flame of her own candle. In turn, her parents light the candles of their parents, and so on. In some Latin American countries, a young woman changes her shoes from flats to heels during the ceremony. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Mexican birthday celebrations feature piñatas filled with candy and small toys. At birthday parties, children take turns hitting the piñata, a hollow figure shaped like an animal, flower, automobile, or other object that is suspended from the ceiling. While blindfolded, kids hit the piñata with a stick until it breaks open. When the treasures rain down on the floor, everyone scrambles to collect them. People believe that the child who breaks open the piñata will have good luck.
Children in Argentina receive pulls on the earlobe for their birthday. Traditionally, they get one pull for each year of their life. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Middle East
Egyptian birthday parties are filled with dancing and singing when a child turns one year old. Flowers and fruit are used to decorate the party as symbols of life and growth. BIRTHDAY CAKE
In Saudi Arabia, people do not observe birthdays due to spiritual beliefs. Religious holidays and weddings, however, are occasions for great celebration. BIRTHDAY CAKE
At an Israeli child's birthday party, he or she sits in a special chair decorated with fresh flowers and greens. To celebrate the child's age, family and friends gather around the chair, lifting and raising it once for each year of life - plus one more for good luck! BIRTHDAY CAKE
Asia
When Japanese children turn 7, 5, or 3, it is thought to be especially lucky. They are allowed to participate in the upcoming Shichi-go-san (meaning "Seven-Five-Three") Festival, celebrated annually on November 15. During this festival, children and their families visit a shrine or other place of worship, give thanks for good health, and ask to be blessed with continued well-being in the future. Afterwards, a family will often throw a party and bestow gifts upon the child. For this occasion, girls and boys always dress in their finest clothes, which may be traditional kimonos or western-style clothing. BIRTHDAY CAKE
In China, people believe that tigers protect children. Family members bring newborns special food and present them with gifts of clothing or toys decorated with tigers. When a Chinese girl or boy turns one year old, a variety of objects and toys are placed on the floor around the child. According to ancient beliefs, the object that the child chooses is a symbol foreshadowing the profession he or she will pursue in life. BIRTHDAY CAKE
In Hong Kong and some other Chinese communities, special noodles are served for lunch in honor of the birthday child. The noodles are extra-long to symbolize a long life. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Filipino families display blinking colored lights to show that someone is having a birthday at their home. The whole family usually goes to church together to thank God, and a celebration with close family and friends may follow.
In Korea, "Paegil" (the 100th day after a child's birth) is a day of feasting for the child's family. Similarly, on a Korean child?s first birthday, a party called a "Tol" or "Dol" is held. Family and friends gather to enjoy food together and offer the one-year-old gifts of money. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Europe
In Germany, a children's birthday celebration is called a Geburtstagsparty. Historians attribute Germans with the first birthday parties for kids. BIRTHDAY CAKE
People in Holland hang birthday calendars to remind them of the birth dates of all their family and friends. Adults often bring a birthday cake to work to share with co-workers on their special day.
Instead of cake, Russian children are presented with pies, inscribed with a special birthday message. BIRTHDAY CAKE
"Birthday bumps" are given to Irish children in honor of their birthday. While held upside down, the birthday celebrant is gently bumped on the floor one time for every year of age - plus one extra "bump" for good luck! BIRTHDAY CAKE
Sending birthday cards is a custom that began in England about 100 years ago. Today, millions of cards are sent around the world each year to wish family and friends a happy birthday. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Another old tradition still practiced by some English people is to make a birthday cake with symbolic objects baked inside. In medieval times, objects such as coins and thimbles were mixed into the batter. People believed that the person who got the coin would be wealthy, while the unlucky finder of the thimble would never marry. Today, small figures, fake coins and small candies are more common. Guests are warned ahead of time as well, so no one injures their teeth or swallows a tiny treasure. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Danish people fly the country's flag outside their home to signify that someone in the family is having a birthday. And while the birthday child is asleep, gifts are placed around the bed, so presents will be the first thing in view when the child awakes. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Norwegian children dance in front of their class with a friend while the rest of the students sing a happy birthday song. Norway's national flag is also displayed outside the home of a birthday person. When important people have birthdays, the streets in Norway are decorated with flags BIRTHDAY CAKE.
Like Danish and Norwegian people, Swedes like to use their national flag to decorate on birthdays and special occasions. Swedish children are often served breakfast in bed. Birthday cakes in Sweden are similar to pound cakes and are decorated with marzipan.
United States of America
Throughout history, Native American tribes have placed significance on milestones in a child's development rather than the day he or she was born. The day children take a first step is cause for just as much rejoicing as when they get married or become parents. BIRTHDAY CAKE
The majority of American children, however, celebrate birthdays with a cake topped with lighted candles. Most families use the candles to represent how old a person is turning, (i.e., one candle for a one-year-old, etc.). When the cake is set before the guest of honor, he or she is supposed to make a wish (without telling anyone what it is) and blow out the candles. If all the candles go out with one breath, it's believed that the wish will come true! BIRTHDAY CAKE
Some children receive birthday "spankings", which were originally based on superstition, but are now more a birthday prank or joke. Hundreds of years ago, spankings were given for each year of the birthday child's life. Beyond that number, a child received another spanking to grow on, one to live on, one to eat on, one to be happy on, and yet another spanking to get married on. At one time, it was considered back luck if the birthday celebrant was not spanked because it was believed to "soften up the body for the tomb." Historians are unsure if the practice of swatting the birthday girl or boy was treated as a joke, as people view it today. BIRTHDAY CAKE
Singing "Happy Birthday to You" has also been a long-standing tradition on birthdays as well. It was writtenby two American sisters in 1893, and has been translated into several languages around the world.
BIRTHDAY CAKE
Happy Birthday Cake
Birthday cakes with candles and birthday cards became popular in England and the United States about 1850. During the past century, birthdays have become more important since they offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate relationships
It is traditional (and therefore compulsory) for birthday boys and girls to provide cakes for the rest of the office
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